Apple Looking Into Motion-Sensing UI for iOS

Patently Apple is reporting on a recently-released Apple patent application that describes the use of motion sensors alongside a 3D user interface in iOS devices. In the patent, the interface could be a virtual room that could be navigated by changing the orientation of the device.

Specifically, the patent notes that this UI would be controlled with gyroscope sensors that would lead to a “camera view” of the virtual room. Additionally sensors could be used to detect user gestures, which could then be used to manipulate objects within this virtual room UI. The application also makes mention of a “snap to” feature which would allow users to switch between the virtual room’s walls easily.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a patent like this from Apple. All the way back in 2007, a patent emerged wherein a virtual room UI was built onto OS X. Then there was a patent application that explored hyper-reality displays which allow for motion- and orientation-based manipulation of objects in a 3D environment.